Military demand strains metal supply chains

Fighter aircraft

Source: © Christopher Furlong/Getty Images

Conflict and trade disputes have disrupted global supplies of specialist metals like hafnium, antimony and rare earths

Heightened geopolitical strains are boosting demand for materials required by defence industries. Often volumes are relatively small, yet some of these niche metals are indispensable for military technologies. Escalating trade tensions, particularly between the US and China – which dominates supply chains for many critical materials have further complicated the situation.